Stop Using The Bible As A Permission Slip From God That Says You Can Be Hateful

Most people are shocked when I tell them I'm Catholic (Confirmed and everything), especially when they hear what I have to say about religious people.

I've gotten to the point in life where I'm just tired of people using the Bible as an excuse to be hateful assholes. People pick and choose which parts of the book to follow, and I wouldn't have a problem with it if they would just keep their beliefs to themselves, but they don't.

People pick which parts of the Bible they want to follow, then bash those who do something that's against their beliefs. For instance, people say homosexuality is wrong because the Bible says so, yet the Bible also tells the reader to stay away from the meat of pigs, but those Bible-thumping Americans sure do love bacon.

These folks like to use the Bible as an excuse for being against something but are the most hypocritical people on Earth. I recently wanted a video promoted to me on Facebook about a young girl who wanted to wear a white suit to her communion, but her church told her no. A woman in the comments kept writing something about the Bible stating that women who dress in men's clothing are an abomination and are doomed to hell. Out of curiosity, I clicked on this woman's page and saw that in one of her photos she was wearing pants. Gee, doomed to hell, are we?

These people make me sick and have ruined religion for me. They'll scream and holler at women who get abortions, and then turn a blind eye to how children are dying because of famine.

They'll come into the retail store where I work and spent $200 on clothes, and while they wear their t-shirt from church with a Bible verse about caring for others printed on the back, they'll say "no" when I ask if they'd like to donate to Save The Children, an organization that saves children.

I laugh at those who consider themselves to be good Christians while treating those who don't conform to their ridiculous beliefs like dirt. The problem is that it's not actually funny, but rather extremely dangerous. It's dangerous because these people often gain power and end up in positions where they can hurt nonconformists in cruel ways, just look at the GOP.

The best way, in my opinion, to fight this nonsense is to call them out. Tell these people that they're not really religious and provide proof. Don't allow their ridiculous thoughts be heard. Don't make them feel as though they're correct.

To use the Bible as an excuse for being a hateful person is most definitely not what God would want. Let's take away organized religion for a moment (Especially since I could speak for days about the Catholic Church's hate for gay people when child-predator priests have a habit of mostly going after young men). In what world would a God ever be okay with his followers harassing women walking into Planned Parenthood? What God would be okay with refusing rights to the LGBTQ community? What God would be okay with followers flaunting the word of the Lord while refusing to help those in need? No God that I know.

So stop hiding behind the Bible and face the world. If you're going to be a hateful bigot, then do it because your terrible personality told you to be, not because of the holy book.

30 Bible Verses For The Broken-Hearted

These Bible verses aren't only for people experiencing a break-up; they're meant to be uplifting, comforting and to bring a sense of peace to anyone who's hurting. The first month after every hardship is always the most difficult.

1. Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened; and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

2. John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

3. Psalm 55:22

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be moved."

4. Psalm 147:3

"He heals the broken-hearted, and bandages their wounds."

5. Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight."

6. 1 Peter 4:19

"So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good."

7. Romans 5:1-2

"Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God's glory."

8. Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

9. Philippians 3:13-14

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive towards the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

10. Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is near the broken hearted; He delivers those who are discouraged."

11. Romans 8:39

"Nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

12. Psalm 73:26

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

13. Psalm 71:20

"You who have shown me great distress and troubles will revive me again, and will bring me up again from the depths of the Earth."

14. Isaiah 43:1 b

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine."

15. Romans 8:18

"For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us."

16. Jeremiah 29:11

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.'"

17. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

18. Ezekiel 36:26

"Also, I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will take away the stoney heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."

19. 1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you."

20. Revelation 21:4

"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. There shall be no more death. Neither shall there be any more sorrow nor crying nor pain, for the former things have passed away."

21. Isaiah 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

22. Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and of good courage. Fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God it is He who goes with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you."

23. Romans 5:8

"I loved you at your darkest."

24. Isaiah 43:18

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."

25. Psalm 46:1-2

"God is our refuge and strength; a well proven help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the Earth be removed."

26. Hebrews 13:5-6

"Let your lives be without love of money, and be content with the things you have. For He has said 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you'. So we may boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'"

27. Romans 15:13

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit."

28. Luke 20:17

"But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?”

29. Psalms 9:9

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

30. Psalm 30:5

"For His anger endures but a moment, in His favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

10 Things You Can Give Up For Lent 2019 If You're A College Student

Lent is just around the corner, March 6th! If you are anything like me, you spend a lot of time searching for what you should give up. I often spend days searching for lists and through social media. But this year, I decided to get a head start on some ideas that are not the traditional people give up such as chocolate or caffeine. There is a ton of options of things college students can give up.

1. Netflix

Or binge watching in general if you use another platform.

2. Starbucks

What happens if you saved the money and donated to something like World Vision?

3. Social Media

Personally, I gave up social media my first Lent. It was one of the best experiences that fostered a huge amount of spiritual growth! I devoted the time I spent on social media to time with God. It was a perfect time to grow closer to God.

4. Eating Out

This one can be difficult if your social life often involves food but it is doable.

5. Video Games

If you are gamer this can be a huge thing to give up. But even if you are not a pro gamer, if you devout a lot of time to playing with apps on your phone it could still work.

6. Not purshasing _____

This could be new clothes, makeup or anything that you often purchase.

7. Sarcasm

Sarcasm is often the language of college students, but what would happen if you changed your language for the weeks of Lent?

8. Junk Food

College students typically live off of Ramen, vending machines and cheap junk food.

9. Sleeping In Late

Similar to social media, you could devote that time being in fellowship with God.

10. Your favorite beauty product or routine

This is one that is very outwardly apparent to others. It not only would free up time to spend with God in the morning, but possibly open up discussions about why you are giving something up.

No matter what you give up, if you spend the time focusing on God and working on your spiritual growth it will be a good season for your Christian life. Good luck!